March School Board Updates

Gifted and Talented Recognitions

Stacey Plumlee, district Gifted and Talented director and Learner Support assistant director, recognized two district staff members at the March School Board meeting.

Mike Gray, Turnbow and Bayyari elementary school GT facilitator, and Abbie Russell, Knapp Elementary School EAST and GT facilitator, were both honored by the School Board.

Gray was recognized for receiving the Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education Curriculum Award and an AGATE scholarship, Plumlee said.

Russell was honored as an Arkansas State Teachers Association scholarship winner.

Both won money to help with their GT certification college hours, Plumlee said.

Gray will present his award-winning curriculum unit at the Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education Conference in February of 2024.

Kim Simco Receives Above and Beyond Award

Principal Kim Simco, Smith Elementary School, is the 2023 Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals Service Above and Beyond Award recipient.

Shannon Tisher, Springdale Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation (6-12), shared the news with the School Board.

The AAESP selects a pre-K to 12th grade Arkansas principal who’s made a personal contribution or sacrifice that’s resulted in a significant impact on their school community for the recognition annually.

Simco runs her school with the mantra "relationships first" and is determined to ensure that our school is a safe, loving, supportive place where students and adults alike are treated with respect and have their needs met, according to the award nomination. She knows all her students by name and knows the families of those in her building. If she becomes aware of a need, she personally fills it, and she constantly works to mobilize the school and local community to support this effort as well.

Barron is the NWA Middle School Counselor of the Year

The Arkansas School Counselor Association has recognized Heather Barron as the region's Middle School Counselor of the Year.

Damon Donnell, SPS Student Service director, shared the Helen Tyson Middle School counselor's achievement with the School Board.

ArSCA Middle School Counselor of the Year selection considerations include the implementation of a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program; innovation in school counseling, leadership and collaboration within the profession; continual professional development; exemplifying the highest standard in professional conduct; and being a model community citizen, said Lindsey Raberding, Northwest Arkansas School Counselor Association president.

Barron will progress for consideration for the Arkansas School Counselor of the Year and, possibly, the American School Counselor of the Year, Raberding said. Arkansas will announce the SCOY at the association’s summer conference in July. The national award is anticipated to be announced in the fall of 2023.

Band and Choral Achievements

Damon Donnell likewise shared news about Springdale's recent band and choral competitions.

District Swim and Dive Recognitions

Nathan Whitten, Har-Ber High School swim coach, shared news about Har-Ber and Springdale High Schools' swim and dive accomplishments for the season.

The teams are comprised of students from Har-Ber, Springdale High, Don Tyson School of Innovation and a homeschooler.

Har-Ber High School

• Max Tisher had two top-10 finishes in the events at the State Meet.

• Ellie Adams earned two medals for her performances at State in the 500 Free and 200 IM.

• Conner Boatright swept his two individual events in the 500 Free & 200 Free, making him a two-time State Champion this year. He even broke the State Record in the 500 Free.

Springdale High School

• Eli Wetzel set the school record in the 50 Free and he was a National Merit Finalist.

• Bryze Sanchez competed in dive and is the 2023 State Champion in that event.